Apparently Phoenix isn't well-known enough, because developers want to put it on the map with a giant pin-shaped observation tower. Designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/BIG" target="_blank">BIG</a>, the Pin is a 430 ft tower topped with a giant ball and spiraling exhibition and recreation space. Likely visible from space, the pin will let aliens and astronauts know where Phoenix is and visitors can enjoy unparalleled 360° views from its heights. Lit up with LED lights at night, BIG plans for the <a href="http://big.dk/#projects-pho" target="_blank">Phoenix Observation Tower</a> to serve as a working model of sustainable energy practices and will incorporate a blend of solar and other technologies.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

The <a href="http://www.novawestventures.com/phoenix-tower/" target="_blank">Pin Phoenix Observation Tower</a> is being developed by boutique real estate company Novawest and designed by Denmark-based <a href="http://big.dk/" target="_blank">BIG</a>.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

Unlike many other big cities, Phoenix does not have an observation tower to draw visitors into its downtown.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

The pin will be located in the heart of the museums, convention center and the sports arenas.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

Rising 430 ft in the air, the Pin is composed of a concrete core topped with a spiral sphere.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

BIG's design was inspired by the Guggenheim museum and is like a core sample removed from the building and placed on top of a tower.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

Visitors will enter the facility through the Base, which will serve as a public plaza offering shade, water features and a small amount of retail together with a subterranean queuing area.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

An elevator in the core will take the visitors up to the top of the sphere and then they walk down at their own pace.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

Inside the sphere, visitors can enjoy dynamic viewing and observation space, a terrace bar and café, a high-end restaurant, event space for catered events, a viewing gallery for special art and cultural exhibits and an evening lounge and nightclub.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

The Pin is definitely a distinctive landmark and will certainly place the city on the map.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

One can imagine though the analogies you can make regarding its shape - a golf ball on a tee, a giant mascara wand, or a huge map pin.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

Sustainability is said to be a large part of the design and will include energy efficient practices, LED lighting, and solar technologies.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

The spiral sphere silhouette of the PIn.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

No word yet on construction timelines, but naming rights are still available, for which you can contact <a href="http://www.novawestventures.com/phoenix-tower/" target="_blank">Novawest</a>.

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Phoenix Pin-BIG

Apparently Phoenix isn't well-known enough, because developers want to put it on the map with a giant pin-shaped observation tower. Designed by BIG, the Pin is a 430 ft tower topped with a giant ball and spiraling exhibition and recreation space. Likely visible from space, the pin will let aliens and astronauts know where Phoenix is and visitors can enjoy unparalleled 360° views from its heights. Lit up with LED lights at night, BIG plans for the Phoenix Observation Tower to serve as a working model of sustainable energy practices and will incorporate a blend of solar and other technologies.